Aircraft manufacturer Airbus SE considers the Philippines both a commercial and a military procurer of its products and who on Tuesday committed to support the modernization program of its military and its bid to protect the West Philippine Sea.
Ahead of the bi-annual Asian Defense and Security Exhibition 2024, Airbus chief representative to the Philippines, Jussi Hoikka, said the company has an expanding role in the country’s evolving security needs and in discussions with Philippine Air Force officials.
“Airbus is confident of meeting the Philippines’ future military needs with our cutting-edge technologies and aircraft to help the AFP fulfill their missions to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens,” Hoikka said.
Hoikka said countries in Asia Pacific have increased their defense budgets and are ordering more aircraft to improve their security capabilities. According to him, ehe Philippines should mirror these actions.
The country’s air force, for instance, operates only seven Airbus C295 transport units purchased from 2014 to 2021. The C295s can lift up to nine tons of payload, often for defense and humanitarian missions.
Under the AFP’s Horizon 3 program, the military focuses on archipelagic defense with the military planning to acquire more maritime assets, aircraft and radar systems.
Airbus is selling its multipurpose A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), one of Airbus’ most popular military aircraft used around the region.
In Asia and the Pacific, Australia owns seven A330 MRTTs, Singapore has six and South Korea has four. Hoikka credits the transport aircraft’s popularity to its capacity to support fighter jets and still carry 45 tons of cargo.
Airbus is also offering A400M supply aircraft that can load up to 37 tons of cargo, making it useful for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
It is also offering C295 maritime patrol aircraft and maritime surveillance aircraft models with advanced surveillance, reconnaissance and strike capabilities crucial for ensuring the sovereignty of the country’s territorial waters.
“As the Philippines strengthens its defense capabilities under Horizon 3, our expanding partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing the AFP’s mission readiness and ensuring the security of the nation,” Hoikka said.
Commercial airlines in the Philippines fly mostly Airbus jets. Cebu Pacific has $24 billion worth of orders for 152 units.
